At SBE, we are committed to one of the most pressing issues in today’s society, a topic that concerns and affects each of us: the environment and sustainability. Every year, we evaluate our efforts for the climate, specifically focusing on reducing our CO2 emissions. We do this through the CO2 Performance Ladder, for which we are currently at level three. With our CO2 management system, we track our emissions and implement various measures to achieve our reduction goals.
Energy consumption
In 2023, 458 solar panels were installed on the roofs of our headquarters in Sint-Niklaas. Figures regarding electricity consumption in 2023 clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of this installation. Whereas an annual increase in total consumption had been observed since 2020, this trend was reversed last year thanks to the solar panels’ output. A total of approximately 136,000 kWh was generated, of which 51,000 kWh (about 38%) was consumed directly. The remaining 62% was injected into the grid, resulting in a significant discount on our final bill. In addition to solar panel generation, 69,000 kWh of electricity was purchased.
In 2023, total consumption was reduced by 15,000 kWh compared to 2022, despite the increased use of electric vehicle charging stations.
However, we anticipate an increase in electricity consumption for the coming year due to further expansion of the charging infrastructure and the continued electrification of our fleet. Consequently, we aim to maximize the direct usage of our generated solar energy by charging electric vehicles at the office.
Footprint 2023
Each year, we also calculate our CO2 footprint to closely monitor the evolution of our emissions. The emissions from electricity consumption in 2023 will be reflected in the results of the 2023 footprint. The results of the 2023 footprint will be announced later this year. From this, it will be evident whether we have achieved our targets for scope 1, 2, and 3, namely a reduction of 10% compared to the previous year.
Here is the analysis of our latest footprint (2022).
Measures
We are implementing various measures to achieve our defined reduction targets.
- Purchasing printers with high energy efficiency (already implemented in February)
- Expansion from 6 to 18 charging points for electric vehicles
- 25% of the charging points operate grid-aware (reduced capacity during peak hours)
- 15% of the fleet consists of electric vehicles
- Option for employees with a company car lease to exchange their car for a mobility budget
- Investment of 10-20% of the research and innovation budget in topics that can help reduce CO2 emissions
- Training for 25-75% of our engineers/designers/project leaders with a focus on the importance, materiality, and design methods of CO2 reduction
- Incorporating CO2 reduction as a fixed agenda item in periodic meetings with all major clients
Other news
Curious about what is happening within SBE? Or in which projects we are involved? Through these newsitems we will keep you informed about our projects and the ins and outs within SBE.
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- Experts at Play
- Sustainability
SBE shines as the new Flemish sustainability ambassador at Voka’s Sustainable Business Day.
24/10/2025During the 8th Voka Sustainable Business Day in Mechelen, SBE from Sint-Niklaas was announced on Thursday evening (23/10/25) as one of the five new Flemish sustainability ambassadors of the United Nations. From now on, the Waas engineering firm will serve internationally as an example for other companies striving for more sustainable operations. -
- Projects
Rijkswaterstaat and market parties start collaboration on new framework agreements
01/10/2025On 30 September, Rijkswaterstaat and the contracted market parties will jointly celebrate the start of a new phase in their collaboration. Over the next four to six years, these parties will work together under the new Framework Cooperation Agreements (SROKs) for Engineering Services and Project and Process Management. These agreements are of great importance for successfully carrying out Rijkswaterstaat’s major renewal program. -
- Experts at Play
- Jobs
Breaking the age barrier: how SBE turns experience into a competitive advantage
22/08/2025At 70 years old, Lubov Izbash comes to the office every morning full of enthusiasm. The architect, trained in both Russia and Belgium and having worked at engineering firm SBE for nearly two decades, embodies a ready-made solution to Belgium’s staff shortage. “Architecture is my work and my passion,” Lubov explains, her eyes lighting up as she talks about her latest projects. “I still feel young here every day, even at 70. Some even consider me a real workaholic!” she laughs. Her story and energy challenge every assumption about older employees in today’s fast-paced economy.
